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Tomb of the Unknown Soldier Q. How many steps does the guard take during his walk across the tomb of the Unknowns and why? A. 21 steps. It alludes to the twenty-one gun salute, which is the highest honor given any military or foreign dignitary. Q. How long does he hesitate after his about face to begin his return walk and why? A. 21 seconds for the same reason as answer above. Q. Why are his gloves wet? A. His gloves are moistened to prevent his losing his grip on the rifle. Q. Does he carry his rifle on the...

The Third Infantry Regiment at Fort Myer has the responsibility for providing ceremonial units and honor guards for state occasions, White House social functions, public celebrations and interments at Arlington National Cemetery. They also stand a very formal sentry watch at the Tombs of the Unknowns. The public is familiar with the precision of what is called. "walking post" at the Tombs. There are roped off galleries where visitors can form to observe the troopers and their measured step and almost mechanical silent rifle shoulder changes. They are relieved every hour in a very formal drill that has to be...

September 19, 2003 Guards at Tomb of the Unknowns Stand Tall By THE ASSOCIATED PRESS Filed at 3:02 a.m. ET ARLINGTON, Va. (AP) -- As the winds from Hurricane Isabel swept over Arlington National Cemetery, the soldiers who guard the Tomb of the Unknowns were given -- for the first time in history -- permission to abandon their posts and seek shelter. ``They told us that. But that's not what's going to happen,'' said Sgt. Christopher Holmes, standing vigil on overnight duty. ``That's never an option for us. It went in one ear and right out the other.'' The monument...

ARLINGTON, Va. - As the winds from Hurricane Isabel swept over Arlington National Cemetery, the soldiers who guard the Tomb of the Unknowns were given - for the first time in history - permission to abandon their posts and seek shelter. "They told us that. But that's not what's going to happen," said Sgt. Christopher Holmes, standing vigil on overnight duty. "That's never an option for us. It went in one ear and right out the other."The monument was established in 1921 with the interment of an unknown World War I soldier. A sentry has been posted there continuously since...